Your hearing health is essential to maintaining better overall well-being and enjoying a higher quality of living. For individuals experiencing hearing loss, better hearing begins with identifying and correcting the problem. Many people avoid having a hearing assessment due to a misunderstanding of the process. Others who have scheduled an appointment might feel a bit intimidated about the unknown. Here is the common process followed during a hearing assessment to help ease the minds of those who might come to us for a hearing assessment
Initial Consultation
Your hearing test will begin with an initial consultation during which we will become better acquainted with each other. This time will allow us to understand the issues that are causing you concern and the goals you have in mind for better hearing. At the same time, you can ask us questions to learn more about who we are and what we do. Our initial consultation establishes the framework upon which our relationship will be built.
Physical Examination
Among the most common issues associated with hearing loss are obstructions. Obstructions can include earwax buildup, inflammation, a growth or tumor, or even a bug lodged in the ear canal. So, before we do a hearing test, we use an otoscope (a tapered magnifying glass with a light on the tip) to examine your ear canal. Our physical examination also allows us to identify damage to your eardrum.
Diagnostic Auditory Evaluation
For this testing stage, you will be equipped with a set of high-tech headphones and seated in a soundproof booth. We will transmit a series of tones or spoken words at various frequencies and volumes into the headphones. You will respond to each of the tones or words as you hear them. The results of these tests will be recorded on a chart, called an audiogram, for later evaluation and discussion. These tests establish the various volume and tone thresholds you can hear to help diagnose your specific level of hearing loss and program hearing instruments if needed.
Other Tests
Additional tests might include a tympanometry test or (tuning fork test). For the first of these tests, we place a tympanometer against the opening to your ear canal. This device alters the pressure inside your ear for a few seconds while a tone is transmitted, and we measure how your eardrum responds to it.
In the second test, we activate a tuning fork and place it on a bone behind one of your ears to determine whether the auditory nerve is picking up sound signals.
Reviewing Your Audiogram
Once your tests are over, we will discuss the various results and explain what each means. We will discuss how various instruments can help enhance or restore hearing loss, if necessary. During this review, your input is essential as we explore the options best suited to your lifestyle, occupation, and personal hearing care goals. If your hearing tests normal, then we have a solid baseline against which to evaluate future changes, and we can consider options to protect your ears from future damage.
Fox Valley ENT Associates Provides Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations
Your hearing is crucial for maintaining a healthy, active, rewarding, and independent lifestyle, which can be interrupted due to hearing loss. To start down the path to better hearing through prevention or restoration requires a hearing assessment.
At Fox Valley Ear, Nose, and Throat, our team of advanced audiological specialists will be able to comprehensively test your hearing, understand your concerns, and diagnose a hearing loss if one exists. If you or someone you love might be suffering from hearing loss, now is the best time to contact us with questions or to schedule an assessment.
